Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Dementia is a broad term covering many diseases and conditions that affect thinking, memory, and language. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many others. Small strokes can cause dementia and so can certain vitamin deficiencies, hormonal problems, depression, and alcohol abuse.
What's normal and what's not?
"Senior moments" – those times when you can't remember a name or where you put your car keys – happen to everyone, and memory loss is a normal part of aging. What's significant is when memory problems affect day-to-day function.
How do you find out?
Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's disease begins with a physical exam that may include additional tests, such as lab work or radiology studies.
But the most important part of the process is discussion with family members and others who know the patient well. Reviewing the patient's history often is the best way to understand what's happening and how the patient got where he or she is today.
Possible Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
These problems, in any combination, may be early signs of Alzheimer's disease. See a doctor, as medical treatment can help.
- Forgets things more often (such as job skills)
- Has problems doing familiar things
- Put things in strange places
- Forgets common words or uses wrong words
- Major change in personality (confused, suspicious, fearful)
- Confusion about time or day of the week
- Loss of interest in doing things, or loses interest quickly
- Sudden changes of mood or behavior
- Does things that don't make sense
Care for the Caregiver: Tips to Keep You Strong
If you're caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you're not alone. In fact, family members, not institutions, provide most of the care for people affected by dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Asking for help and realizing that you need to take care of yourself, too, are vital to your wellbeing.
Give Yourself Credit
Learn all you can. Begin by exploring community resources, support groups and by contacting the Alzheimer's Association's Help Line at 1-800-272-3900 or visit: www.alz.org
- Accept limitations. Recognize what you can change and accept what you can't.
- Realize that you can't do it all. Seek and accept help and support whenever and wherever possible.
- Take care of yourself. Caregiving can exact tolls on your health, your relationships, and other areas of your life.
Find Respite
One of the best ways for you to rest and recharge is to arrange respite care for your loved one. Respite, like the name implies, is time off for you, while someone else takes over your caregiver duties. Respite care is available on a regular or an occasional basis and can vary from a few hours to several days. It can be arranged through a number of community agencies.
Dr. James Campbell
Try These Coping Strategies
When caregiving becomes overwhelming, try these stress-relieving responses. Experiment to learn which ones work best for you.
- Count to 10 slowly, taking a few deep breaths.
- Go for a brief walk or into another room to gather your thoughts.
- Call a friend, pray, meditate, sing, listen to music, take a bath.
- Sit in a comfortable position in a quiet place.
- Take slow, deep breaths to release tension.
- Imagine a safe, restful place.
- Repeat a calming word or phrase.